Former Laker Michael Cooper will take a leave of absence as the head coach of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream because of early stage tongue cancer. Cooper plans to have a surgical procedure this week at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in Atlanta and is expected to recover in two weeks. Assistant coach Karleen Thompson will assume head coaching duties.

“The doctors and staff at Emory have been tremendous, and I know I’m in good hands,” Cooper said in a statement. “I’m fortunate that my condition was diagnosed early, and this episode illustrates the importance of screening and early detection. I know the team will be in good hands with Coach Thompson at the helm during my absence, and I look forward to returning to the court soon.”

Cooper became a defensive specialist with the Showtime Lakers (1978-90), helping the team win five NBA championships.

“I want to wish the best of luck and a speedy recovery to my former ‘Showtime’ teammate Michael Cooper!” Magic Johnson tweeted.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tweeted, “Hang in there Coop, we know you will beat this thing and I’m here for whatever you need.”

Cooper also coached the Sparks to two WNBA championships (2001, 2002). Cooper left his second stint with the Sparks to coach USC’s women’s basketball team. But he resigned in March after finishing 11-20, his first losing record in four seasons.

Make it official

The Lakers officially signed Nick Young to a four-year deal worth $21.5 million and Ryan Kelly to a two-year deal worth around $3.5 million on Monday.

Young, who starred at Cleveland High in Reseda, opted out of his $1.2 million player option after averaging a team-leading 17.9 points per game last season.

“When Nick became a free agent in June, I expressed hope that we would be able to bring him back on a contract that was in the best interest of both the Lakers and himself, and I am proud to say we were able to do so,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “Nick was a bright spot for us last season, and we are happy to retain such a skilled player who is committed to being a part of what we are building as a franchise.”

Kelly had missed parts of training camp while rehabbing a surgically repaired right foot. But the 48th pick of the 2013 NBA draft quickly made an impression on the Lakers with his work ethic, shooting and floor spacing. Kelly, who averaged eight points and 3.7 rebounds in 22.2 minutes per game, started in 22 of his 59 appearances.

“When we extended a qualifying offer to Ryan in June, we fully expected him to be a part of our future,” Kupchak said in a statement. “Ryan did everything we asked of him as a rookie and showed great promise and potential. After rehabbing an injury last summer, he will have the benefit of a full offseason regimen and training camp for the first time in his NBA career, and we anticipate further development as a result.”